Local and West Yorkshire Mayoral Elections

On Thursday 6 May, voters in West Yorkshire will have the opportunity to vote in local elections and the inaugural West Yorkshire Mayoral Election. At this point, the elections are planned to go ahead largely as normal, with voters being able to vote by post or in person at their allotted voting station.   

If staff and students want to vote in the elections on 6 May 2021 they must be on the electoral register. The final date for registering to vote in the elections is April 19th 2021. Details can be found at Register to vote   

Applicants will require a number of items of information:  

• Date of Birth   
• National Insurance Number   
• Address – including Room Number/Flat Number/Block etc. (Students staying in university and private accommodation are encourage to ensure they provide full postal details)  
• Contact details (phone, email) 

Kirklees Council have produced a short film guide about how and why students and staff should register to vote in the forthcoming local and West Yorkshire mayoral elections to be held on 6 May. 

  

Postal Vote   

 

The option to vote by post rather than go to a Polling Station is available to all and it is possible to download a Postal Vote application form from the Kirklees Electoral Registration website. All postal votes must be received by Kirklees Council by 5.00pm on 20 April 2021.  If staff and students are unable to do either on-line you can contact the Electoral Services office on 01484 221650.

 

West Yorkshire Mayoral Elections 

 

The election will see a mayor elected for West Yorkshire as part of the UK government's ongoing programme of devolution. A growing number of combined authorities have been created across England, with directly elected mayors reshaping the way politics and policy-making are undertaken. For example, Andy Burnham was recalibrated the political leadership of Greater Manchester, and the way public services are designed and delivered to citizens. For those who might be uncertain about what this means for West Yorkshire, this helpful guide produced by the Centre for Cities provides a good overview of the new mayoral powers. This noted, the mayor will also be an advocate for the region and an influential figure on the national stage.

The University Students’ Union will be hosting an election husting on 12 April at 2.00pm with the mayoral candidates. More details will be distributed soon.

The Centre for Cities will also host a mayoral husting for those interested focusing on the regional economy. Register for tickets.